As Wisconsinites file taxes today, Republicans in Congress continue to support extensions of Trump-era handouts to those at the top and other tax policies that leave working families behind
Monday, April 15, 2024
MADISON, Wis. – As Wisconsinites file their tax returns today, many big corporations and the wealthiest Americans continue to benefit from loopholes and giveaways that let them avoid paying their fair share. If Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden had their way, some of these handouts for those at the top would be made permanent.
“Wisconsinites work hard, pay by the rules, and pay their fair share. But too many big corporations and the ultra-rich get to play by a different set of rules that let them off the hook when it comes to paying their fair share of taxes, costing us billions and forcing working families to pick up the slack,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “If Congressmen Steil and Van Orden had their way, many of these disastrous tax policies would be made even worse. We need tax policies that are fair – that means supporting working families and small businesses while making those at the very top finally pay what they should.”
Congressman Bryan Steil is a co-sponsor of H.R. 976 – a permanent extension of major Trump-era tax cuts which have primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans. If this bill were passed, the richest 1% of Americans would see a $44 billion tax cut in 2026 alone.
Both Steil and Van Orden are also co-sponsor of H.R. 4721, which also contains major tax giveaways to those at the top. Like Steil’s TCJA Permanency Act, this bill would make the pass-through business tax deduction permanent, a provision that owners of large, successful businesses, including oil and gas companies, have used to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
Meanwhile, Steil and Van Orden have failed to take a position on President Biden’s proposal to lower taxes on working families, while holding billionaires and big corporations accountable. The President’s budget would raise minimum tax rates for billionaires and large, successful corporations, while expanding the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit to support working families. Biden’s plan also cracks down on corporate tax loopholes, removes subsidies for gas and oil companies, and strengthens Medicare and Social Security.
To mark Tax Day, Opportunity Wisconsin previously announced billboards in both the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts highlighting Steil and Van Orden’s support for tax giveaways to the richest 1%. The billboards will continue to run through the end of this week.
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